shaverg

for handquilting, I use John James or Richard Hemming and sons 10-12 Betweens. For hand applique I only use Richard Hemming and sons milliners size 10. These are the one I really love. But this too is always a personal preference.

dlf0122quilting

For applique, I absolutely swear by P3 Designs brand size 11 Applique needles. They can be purchased on line at www.p3designs.com or at lots of quilt shows. They do ben some from the heat of your fingers but they stay sharp and are easy to handle.

I have used various brands of quilting betweens and have yet to find a brand I prefer. I bought some from the Thimble Lady at a quilt show last year and they seem to be pretty good.

I agree that the James brand must be losing their quality. With manufacturers trying to cut financial corners, I think we will be dealing with this problem not just on needles but on many of our favorite quilting things.

Donna Hall

I am now using a needle by Thimblelady size M. If you have trouble threading a needle, you might try turning the needle around and thread from the other side. Also Clover has a wonderful desk needle threader.

Tippy

I get the Jeane Kimball's Foxglove Cottage needles at my LQS.. have also seen them on line. Right now there are probably 12 needles on each of 3 different spools of quilting threads in my box. I was doing some piecing last night and when I pulled off the "next length" of thread noticed that the needle was "chunky" guess I got a few of another brand mixed in with them.
I was soooooooo obvious stitching with it. Also I'm pretty sure that you could not use a needle threader with these I've never seen one thin enough to go through the eye.a single length of thread will barely go through, let alone a double.

Ninnie

I have found that the desk needle threaders do not work well with a size 12 needle, they won't thread them, and I have to do it by hand

Marilyn Philips

I have tried several brands of needles including regular sharps, betweens, etc. I cannot use betweens, they are just too short for me for me to manipulate (arthritis). I found that the Thimblelady needles are perfect for me. They are longer and thinner and they just seem to melt into the fabric. The only problem is that they do bend quite easily, but I haven't found anything comparable. If you're interested you can order them at www.thimblelady.com. They were developed by Liuxin Newman and used to be sold through one of the catalogs, but she now has her own company working out of Australia. They are a little more expensive, but well worth the price.

collettakay

I like to see the stitches too!! Besides its not the size of the stitches that matter, its the consistency. Or so I've heard. And I'm sticking to it!

msoop

Debbie, where do you buy the Roxanne needles?

sewlady

heyjami

thanks for this info ladies...

I have the John James and I struggle some days with threading them! Is there a trick?

I'm going to a show Saturday and you can bet that's one of my questions! I enjoy a little hand piecing but can't hardly stand this threading issue!

Borntohandquilt

Yes, there are several tricks.
Cut your thread in an angle, not straight. Hold the thread's end between thumb and forefinger very shortly and guide the needle's eye over it. If you have the feeling that the thread is stuck at the needle's eye turn the needle around and try the other side of the eye. Don't wet your thread with your saliva but the needle's eye!
I am sure you will hear more tipps when you ask at the quilt show.